Shift work is a risk factor for increased total cholesterol level: a 14-year prospective cohort study in 6886 male workers

Alternating shift work is associated with a 30% increased likelihood of significant serum total cholesterol elevation.

• Shift workers showed higher odds of experiencing a 20% or greater increase in serum total cholesterol compared to day workers.
• The odds ratio for a 25% increase in cholesterol levels among shift workers was 1.16.
• For a 35% increase, the odds ratio rose to 1.23, indicating a more pronounced effect.
• The odds ratios increased further for higher thresholds, reaching 1.30 for a 40% increase and 1.28 for a 45% increase.
• The findings suggest that alternating shift work may adversely affect lipid metabolism in male workers.

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